Who's At Risk?

Who's at risk?

According to the National Center for Environmental Health, several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, which prevents the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and drug and alcohol use.

It's important to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness if you or someone you know are in any of these high risk groups:

children - according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children have a lower surface-area-to-body-mass ratio than adults, so that their sweating capacity is lower than adults and they are more vulnerable to heat stress

elderly

people who work outdoors

people with circulation or breathing problems

people who live or work with inadequate cooling or ventilation

people who have had a previous heat-related illness

Taking breaks from activity and drinking enough fluids can help ward off problems. It's also important to watch for signs of heat-related illnesses while you exercise in warmer weather. Warmer weather seems to inspire many of us to do more outdoor activity. But it's essential that we take a few precautions first.

Just the word "snake" brings shivers to a lot of people. Many people do not want to be around them, and as soon as a snake is spotted, many try to kill it. It is important to understand snakes because they play an important role in the balance of nature.

Just the word "snake" brings shivers to a lot of people. Many people do not want to be around them, and as soon as a snake is spotted, many try to kill it. It is important to understand snakes because they play an important role in the balance of nature.